Mr Ketso Moses Makume, MEC for the Department of Finance, Tourism and Economic Development, will be attending the upcoming Ngwathe Tourism Expo, hosted by the Edgar Legoale Foundation. The Expo is scheduled for Friday, September 4, at Parys Airfield, off the R59.

The participation of the MEC represents an important milestone in the Foundation’s efforts to position the Ngwathe Tourism Expo as a meaningful platform for tourism development, economic participation, enterprise growth, investment promotion and community empowerment.

The Expo will officially mark the opening of the Ngwathe Spring Experience bringing together key stakeholders from government, the tourism and hospitality sectors, local businesses, SMMEs, entrepreneurs, community-based organisations, cultural practitioners, tourism establishments and members of the public.

Under the theme: “Celebrating Heritage. Showcasing Opportunity. Growing Tourism.” the Ngwathe Tourism Expo seeks to highlight the rich tourism, cultural and economic potential that exists within Ngwathe and the broader Fezile Dabi District.

The Expo is not simply an exhibition of tourism products. It is designed as a platform for connection, collaboration and opportunity—creating space for local businesses and tourism operators to engage with government, potential partners, investors, visitors and other stakeholders who can contribute to the growth of the local tourism economy, the Foundation said.

The participation of government leadership further strengthens the importance of these conversations. It provides an opportunity for stakeholders to engage directly on matters affecting tourism development, local economic growth, enterprise support, investment, infrastructure, market access and the creation of sustainable opportunities for communities.

The Edgar Legoale Foundation believes that meaningful development requires collaboration between government, the private sector, civil society, communities and local entrepreneurs. The Ngwathe Tourism Expo is therefore being positioned as a space where these different sectors can come together, share ideas, showcase their work and identify practical opportunities for collaboration.

The programme will feature a range of activities aimed at celebrating Ngwathe’s identity and unlocking its potential as a tourism and economic destination. These will include tourism exhibitions, destination showcases, business networking opportunities, tourism panel discussions, local SMME and craft markets, food and lifestyle experiences, arts and cultural performances, and live entertainment.

The Expo will also provide local tourism businesses and entrepreneurs with an opportunity to place their products and services before a wider audience while encouraging visitors to explore the experiences, attractions, accommodation establishments, hospitality offerings, cultural heritage and other tourism assets available within Ngwathe.

Creating platforms

For the Edgar Legoale Foundation, the Expo forms part of a broader commitment to creating platforms that translate community potential into practical opportunities.

The Foundation recognises that tourism has the potential to contribute significantly to local economic development when communities are meaningfully included in the tourism value chain. From accommodation and hospitality to food, crafts, cultural experiences, entertainment, transportation and other services, the sector can create opportunities for entrepreneurs and small businesses while showcasing the unique identity of the area.

The Ngwathe Tourism Expo therefore seeks to go beyond a single-day event. It is part of a continued effort to strengthen partnerships, encourage local participation and build greater visibility for Ngwathe as a destination with opportunities for tourism, business, investment, cultural experiences and economic development.

The Foundation is particularly encouraged by the growing interest from government and other stakeholders in the Ngwathe Experience. Their participation demonstrates the importance of creating platforms where local development priorities can be discussed openly and where communities, businesses and institutions can work together towards shared objectives.

As preparations continue towards September 4, the Edgar Legoale Foundation looks forward to welcoming MEC Ketso Moses Makume, government representatives, tourism stakeholders, business leaders, entrepreneurs, exhibitors, community representatives and members of the public to what promises to be an important gathering for the Ngwathe tourism and economic development landscape.

The Foundation remains committed to building partnerships that create lasting value for communities and to ensuring that the Ngwathe Experience continues to grow as a platform that celebrates local identity, promotes opportunity and contributes to a brighter future.

The Expo starts at 10:00.

The theme of the Expo is: Celebrating Heritage. Showcasing Opportunity. Growing Tourism.

Tourism activities planned by the Foundation for September, include:

September 11-13 – Ngwathe company experience

September 17 – Ngwathe Business Breakfast

September 20 – Ngwathe Golf experience

September 25 – Ngwathe Spring Experience